Episode Highlights:

• Guest: Kyle Nitchen
• Senior Project Manager at Layton Construction
• Active writer and thought leader on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Points:

• Kyle's Career Journey:
• Early years as a landscape laborer and field engineer with Kiewit
• Transition to project engineer and project manager at Layton Construction
• Importance of self-exploration and finding one’s lane in the industry
• Balancing Passion and Skill Development:
• Shift from seeking passion to becoming highly skilled
• Finding fulfillment through leadership and team management
• Growth Mindset and Continuous Learning:
• Influence of mentors and thought leaders like Jocko Willink
• Importance of reading, self-improvement, and setting ambitious goals
• Industry Insights and Advice:
• Opportunities in the construction industry for young professionals
• The need for improved knowledge transfer and less siloed working environments
• Implementation of lean methodologies for better efficiency

Timeline:

• 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction by Brad Coleman
• 01:00 - Kyle's unconventional career path and early experiences
• 03:00 - College years and discovering construction management
• 05:00 - First role at Layton Construction and transition to project engineer
• 07:00 - Challenges of the project engineering role and internal turmoil
• 09:00 - Finding passion through becoming skilled and leading teams
• 12:00 - Importance of self-awareness and self-exploration
• 15:00 - Transition from East Coast to West Coast and first project management role
• 18:00 - Kyle's growth mindset and driving factors
• 21:00 - Goals for the next 5-10 years, both personal and professional
• 24:00 - Recommended books and authors influencing Kyle
• 27:00 - Talent shortage in the construction industry and advice for newcomers
• 30:00 - Knowledge transfer and mentoring within the industry
• 33:00 - Implementing lean methodologies in construction
• 36:00 - Desired industry changes and reducing silos
• 39:00 - Synergy and team collaboration
• 41:00 - Final thoughts and advice for young professionals

Key Quotes:

• "Instead of trying to figure out what I was passionate about, I shifted my focus to getting really good at something."
• "Lean is just a better way of doing things. It's about being more efficient and creating more value."
• "Having a big vision of where I want to be and who I want to become drives my growth mindset."

Connect with Kyle:

• LinkedIn: Kyle Nitchen
• Newsletter: The Influential Project Manager

Resources Mentioned:

• Books:
• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
• The Captain Class by Sam Walker

33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene